Legal Planning Topic Map - EPAs Capacity Wills and Protection

Purpose: A practical guide to enduring powers of attorney, mental capacity, wills, trusts, and legal protections for older New Zealanders. This map ties together legal planning documents to help you act before it's too late. > Key contacts: Office for Seniors (EPA forms) | Public Trust 0800 371 471 | Community Law (local centre) | Family Court There are two separate EPA documents. Most people need both. What decisions do you want someone to make for you? ├─► Financial decisions (banking, bills, selling property, investments) │ └─► → Create a Property EPA │ TIP: Consider 'springing' (effective only on incapacity) if you want │ to remain in control while capable ├─► Health care & living decisions (where you live, medical treatment, daily care) │ └─► → Create a Personal Care & Welfare EPA │ TIP: This only works when you can't make decisions — no loss of control while capable └─► Both? — CREATE BOTH DOCUMENTS AT THE SAME TIME └─► This is the recommended approach from the Office for Seniors - Office for Seniors: officeforseniors.govt.nz — free standard forms - Public Trust: publictrust.co.nz - Community Law: communitylaw.org.nz — guidance and forms - Your lawyer — will provide and prepare forms - Ensures your assets go to the people you choose - Avoids intestacy (dying without a will) — if you die intestate, the Administration Act determines who gets your assets - Can name an executor (the person who carries out y